Arsenal handed boost in pursuit of Valencia star

Arsenal have been handed a boost in their pursuit of France defender Adil Rami after he revealed his desire to play for a top European side.

The Gunners had faced competition from Anzhi Makhachkala but the 27-year-old is thought to have rejected advances from the free-spending Russian side as he bids to flush out interest from more established European teams.

With Arsenal skipper Thomas Vermaelen enduring a loss of form this season, Arsene Wenger has been tipped to make a summer move for Rami, who won a league and cup double with Lille in 2011.

He has since continued his progress at Valencia and the £10m-rated centre-back has hinted he could be on his way out of the Mestalla at the end of the season.